GENERATIONS of a college's staff and pupils turned out for the funeral of a man who served it for more than 80 years.

Hundreds of past and present teachers and students of St Bede's College in Manchester attended the service for 93-year-old Father Bernard Jackson, who died last week on All Souls' Day.

Father Jackson had been a priest for 68 years and had been associated with the college since 1924. He held several positions at St Bede's and until just a few months before his death he was still living in the college grounds and was active in its day-to-day running.

Headmaster John Byrne said: "From 1938 until earlier this year, Father Jackson served St Bede's as a teacher, bursar, and clerk to the governors. He was held in great esteem by generations of pupils, all of whom had great affection for him.

"It is no exaggeration to say that he was revered by Old Bedians. The very mention of his name at the annual dinner produced spontaneous and sustained applause. His death really does mark the end of an era."

Father Jackson's body was taken from St Joseph's Home of the Little Sisters, Plymouth Grove, where he spent his last few months.

The funeral procession went past St Bede's, where many stood outside as a mark of respect before following on to the English Martyrs church in Whalley Range, where Requiem Mass was celebrated by the Bishop of Salford, Bishop Terence Brain.

Father Jackson's father was a pupil at St Bede's at the end of the 19th century. After following in his father's footsteps by becoming a St Bede's pupil in 1924, Father Jackson left to train for the priesthood in Rome.

On being ordained, he returned to the college in 1938. During his time here he saw his four nephews and a great- nephew through St Bede's.